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4 Signs That A First Date Is Going Really Well

Loyal readers of this blog know that I've been on my fair share of first dates, a much smaller number of second dates, and only one third date. Many of you have accused me of being too quick to close the door, and I see where you're coming from. But I'm a firm believer in holding out for the The Spark, and in my experience it's either there from the beginning or it's not (according to Erin, this is common among guys). So what does The Spark feel like? Well, there's no single definition, but here are four things I look for on a first date:

I'm trying WAY too hard to be cool. When it comes to first dates, I'm generally pretty relaxed. But if I'm really attracted to a girl my mind goes into overdrive and I start over-thinking everything. Am I chewing too loud? Does this pasta make my nose look big? And why the hell did I tell her that joke about the monkey and the transvestite?

I find potential flaws endearing. For someone who is frequently accused of being too picky, when I like a girl she can do no wrong. A few months ago I went out with a woman who was kinda quiet, and I had to work really hard to keep the conversation going. But for whatever reason I felt a spark between us, and so I thought her shyness was cute as all get out. But I've gone out with other women who didn't have much to say and found it kind of annoying. What can I say? When there's a spark I change from Jerry Seinfeld to Richard Simmons. 3 Secrets To Exuding Sexy

I want to order dessert. Even when a date isn't working out, I always do my best not to rush things. But I draw the line at dessert—there's no need to waste the time and calories (Erin has a much different philosophy when it comes to dessert and dating). So when my sweet tooth starts aching I know that I'm hooked.

I'm listening to happy music on my way home. Is there a better feeling in the world than driving home after an awesome date and singing along to "Hooked On A Feeling" or "Love and Happiness". (I actually take the subway home, so I have to quietly hum along.)

What signs do you look for on a first date? How long do you wait for a spark? Can you remember your all-time favorite first date? What was it like? And what music do you listen to after an awesome date?

1. He's not a douche about being in shape.

Look, Chris Evans has a great body. Most importantly, though, is that he's not a jerk about it. He doesn't walk around shirtless, unless it's in a completely appropriate situation. You don't have to worry about him flashing his abs to your mom, but if that shirt does come off for whatever reason, she'll still be impressed.

Photo: Disney / Marvel

2. He makes dangerous stuff look adorable.

Girls want a bad boy, moms want a teddy bear. Well guess what? Chris Evans is a bad teddy bear. But, not in a dirty way. Unless you want it dirty. Chris Evans is here for you!

Photo: Disney / Marvel

3. Chris Evans cleans up really nicely.

You want your mom to see a guy at his best, and Chris Evans at his best looks like America personified. If your mom doesn't appreciate that, then she's a terrorist and she should be in jail.

Photo: Disney / Marvel

4. He's active!

He knows how to swim, how to throw stuff, how to fight. Your mom will love his various skills. He can definitely take care of you.

Photo: Disney / Marvel

5. Chris Evans hangs out with classy broads.

Is it offensive to call a dame a broad? Either way, those are the types of ladies that Chris Evans associates with. You don't have to worry about sketchy ex-girlfriends showing up and ruining everything.

Photo: Disney / Marvel

6. Chris Evans stands up to jerks!

Your mom wants a guy who will protect you. Not just from bears and stuff like that, but also a man who protects your honor. If some guy is being a jerk, and Chris Evans is around, then you've got nothing to worry about.

Photo: Disney / Marvel

7. He's got great health insurance.

Chris Evans is rich and famous. He financially stable, so you know he's got the health insurance that covers all the luxurious stuff. Like mud baths.

Photo: Disney / Marvel

8. Chris Evans looks good in uniform.

If there's one thing moms love, it's a man in uniform. Even if the uniform is just a costume, they still love it. Chris Evans only wears uniforms in his personal life (from what I hear, which may be wrong).

Photo: Disney / Marvel

9. He's got impressive friends.

Chris Evans hangs out with cool people, but even around cool people, he still looks like the boss. There's nothing more impressive than that.

Photo: Disney / Marvel

10. Chris Evans is dedicated.

You don't get a body like that by accident. If you could, they wouldn't call them accidents, they'd call them miracles.

Photo: Disney / Marvel

11. Chris Evans is a true gentleman.

My girlfriend can't look at this photo of Betty White and Chris Evans without crying because everything about it is perfect.

Photo: YouTube

Look, Chris Evans has a great body. Most importantly, though, is that he's not a jerk about it. He doesn't walk around shirtless, unless it's in a completely appropriate situation. You don't have to worry about him flashing his abs to your mom, but if that shirt does come off for whatever reason, she'll still be impressed.